GIVE Hawaii Forest Conservation & Responsible Tourism Excursion

Wow. It's hard to put into words how one week can foster such immense, positive change in so many different ways. Growing up, I have always dreamt of visiting Hawai'i, but not in the typical tourist fashion that most do. I'm eternally grateful for GIVE for allowing me to experience Hawai'i in the way I had always dreamt of: by being immersed within its rich, vibrant Aloha-centered culture & being deeply involved with the restoration of the indescribably beautiful land and local communities. GIVE gave me the chance to foster a relationship with the 'aina (land) and kai (ocean) in ways I never would have thought possible. Furthermore, the relationships that I developed with my incredible guides and fellow volunteers are ones that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I showed up at Kona airport with a full backpack almost feeling marooned. Fortunately, we volunteers were connected early through WhatsApp. We found each other quickly and the group dynamic took off without a hitch. It was heartwarming to be welcomed by the natives of the island of Hawaii for the recognition that I was there as a volunteer. The cultural chants shared to welcome us in, the ability to introduce myself in the Hawaiian language, and partaking in the traditional emu left an impression. I will carry that experience with me. I am also proud to adorn the green GIVE ribbon as a badge of commitment.

My experience with GIVE has been nothing short of life-changing. This past summer I went on a trip with GIVE to Hawai'i where we worked with local project partners and organizations to restore the land so it can be used to grow food for locals, restore and help rebuild a sacred archeological site, and so much more empowering work all over the Big Island. I gained a new perspective on the world, as well as a new global family of amazing humans who share my love for the Earth. I can't wait until I can go on another trip with GIVE!

This trip was fabulous. All of the guides were amazing in helping us learn and assisting us in anyway we needed. We got to have so much fun while making an impact on our āina (land) and seeing the difference we were making. The friendships we all made on this trip are so valuable and pure. The memories that we made and get to have together will always be treasured. Learning about a new culture while helping protect that was something really special and i hope that everyone gets a chance to experience that.

I loved every moment of the Hawaii trip. The guides were so helpful and we connected with the locals in our projects every day. We did projects for 3-4 hours a day and other than that we did hikes, swimming, snorkeling, and even made a cultural meal in an imu. It wasnt like a normal Hawaii vacation, you were roughing it in the accommodations but the people you meet make it so so worth it. We are already planning a reunion trip. Its so fun to meet people at such a unique experience. 100% reccomend give hawaii

You may be considering doing this trip, but are nervous because it is completely new. I felt this way before my trip, and I was unsure if I made the wrong choice in signing up, but I could not be more grateful that I did. I do not exaggerate when I say that I made friends that have impacted me more than anyone I have ever met before. With GIVE, there was never a time I felt alone. I was surrounded by people with similar interests and positive attitudes. GIVE Hawaii allowed me and my peers to be themselves, all while making positive change.

Traveling with GIVE was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and changed my perspective in more ways than I can count. During my time in Hawai’i, I learned about how to be a responsible and conscientious community member, the Hawaiian culture, and myself. The guides and project partners we worked with taught us about giving instead of just receiving from others, a lesson that truly resonated and that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Interacting with community members during our projects and seeing the progress our group could make when we worked together showed me the power in teamwork and that any contribution can make a real difference. GIVE provided us with the opportunity to be so deeply immersed in the culture and community of Hawai’i, and I gained such a strong appreciation for the distinct culture that I knew little about before going on the trip. The experiences I shared with the other members of my group and bonding that the guides fostered created connections stronger than I ever could have imagined. The connections I made left me feeling supported, appreciated, and with new friendships that will last for years to come. I didn’t believe that a 9 day trip could become such an impactful experience, but my time traveling with GIVE truly did.

Give has changed my outlook on the world in a better way. I never thought I could make new family in only 9 days. But that’s what this trip did, it gave me friends that are now family. Friends that I didn’t know I needed until now. Give had helped me find my passion with the ocean again. And has helped me find and love myself on the way. This trip is very healing for the soul. And I would definitely recommend GIVE to everyone. It can be scary but right once you get there they make every person feel special and appreciated in many ways. They were always there for support when needed. When we went snorkeling I was so scared (like tears) they helped me calm down and encouraged me so much and made me feel like I could take on the world. And after snorkeling it healed so much of my soul. They know what they are doing. And I trusted them with my life (literally) and they proved that they would do anything to make sure we are all safe. And that’s one of the best, to feel so secure and safe in a different state across the world traveling. If your thinking about going on a trip with GIVE. DO IT. You won’t realize how bad you need it until after. TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE.